The Top 17 Pros and Cons of a Root Canal Treatment and Why You Should Always Opt for One

If there were a “Popularity Contest” for dental procedures, the root canal treatment would likely be sitting in the corner, eating lunch alone. It has gained an unfair reputation as the ultimate dental nightmare—a trope used in movies and sitcoms to describe something truly agonizing.

But here’s the truth from your friends at Winn Family Dentistry: that reputation is stuck in the 1950s. Modern technology and advanced anesthesia have transformed this procedure into a routine, virtually painless experience that actually saves your smile from the much scarier alternative: tooth loss. As a leading dental clinic Chippewa Falls, we believe that transparency is the best medicine.

Whether you’re a lifelong resident or looking for a dentist near Chippewa Falls WI, understanding the root canal pros and cons is the first step toward making an informed decision for your health.

Understanding the Root Canal: A Quick Refresher

Before we dive into the list, let’s demystify the process. A root canal is necessary when the “pulp”—the soft tissue inside your tooth containing nerves and blood vessels—becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, cracks, or trauma. A local dentist Chippewa Falls will remove the damaged pulp, clean the interior, and seal it up.

Think of it like clearing out a clogged pipe and reinforcing it; the house (your tooth) stays standing, but the plumbing is now clean.

The 17 Pros and Cons of Root Canal Therapy

To give you the full picture, we’ve broken down the top 17 points you need to know, combining the benefits and the considerations.

The Pros: Why It’s a Lifesaver

1. Immediate Pain Relief: Contrary to the myths, a root canal doesn’t cause pain; it stops it. The infection is what hurts; removing it brings instant relief.

2. Preservation of Your Natural Tooth: There is nothing—absolutely nothing—that feels, functions, or looks as good as your natural tooth.

3. Prevention of Jawbone Loss: When a tooth is extracted, the jawbone in that area begins to deteriorate because it’s no longer being stimulated by the root. A root canal keeps the root in place, maintaining your facial structure.

4. No “Shifting” Teeth: If you pull a tooth and leave a gap, your other teeth will slowly drift toward the opening. This causes bite issues and crookedness. A root canal prevents this domino effect.

5. High Success Rate: Modern root canal treatment boasts a success rate of approximately $95\%$, often lasting a lifetime with proper care.

6. Protects Your Systemic Health: Oral infections don’t stay in your mouth. Left untreated, bacteria can enter the bloodstream, potentially impacting your heart and overall health.

7. Natural Aesthetics: Once topped with a custom crown from a dentist Chippewa Falls WI, your tooth will be indistinguishable from your others.

8. Efficient Procedure: Most treatments at a dental clinic Chippewa Falls are completed in just one or two visits.

9. Proprioception: Because the tooth is still yours, you retain “proprioception”—the natural sensation of pressure and temperature that artificial implants can’t replicate.

10. Cost-Effective Long Term: While the root canal cost might seem higher than an extraction initially, it is far cheaper than the long-term cost of replacing a missing tooth with an implant or bridge.

The Cons: Factors to Consider

11. Initial Root Canal Cost: The upfront investment for a root canal and a crown can range significantly. In 2026, you might expect to pay anywhere from $700 to $1,800 depending on the tooth’s location (molars are more complex).

12. The Stigma/Anxiety: Let’s face it—the word “root canal” triggers nerves. Overcoming that mental hurdle is often the hardest part of the visit.

13. Multiple Appointments: If the infection is severe, your local dentist Chippewa Falls might need two visits to ensure the area is completely sterilized before sealing.

14. Increased Fragility: Because the tooth no longer has a live nerve/blood supply, it can become more brittle over time, which is why a protective crown is almost always required.

15. Post-Op Sensitivity: You might experience some gum tenderness or minor sensitivity for a few days after the procedure as the tissues heal.

16. Numbing Time: You’ll be quite numb for a few hours afterward. Not a huge con, but you’ll want to be careful when drinking that hot coffee from the local cafe!

17. Potential for Re-infection: While rare ($<5\%$), a tooth can sometimes become re-infected if the seal fails or a new crack develops, requiring a retreatment.

Why You Should Always Opt for a Root Canal Over Extraction

If your dentist Chippewa Falls WI tells you that a tooth can be saved with a root canal, take the win! Some patients think, “Just pull it, it’s easier and cheaper.” Actually, it’s neither.

Pulling a tooth is the beginning of a much longer, more expensive journey. Once the tooth is gone, you have to replace it. A dental implant or a bridge is significantly more invasive and will ultimately cost thousands more than the root canal cost. Plus, the healing time for an extraction and subsequent implant can take six months to a year. A root canal at Winn Family Dentistry has you back to your normal self in days.

The Winn Family Dentistry Difference

When searching for a dentist near Chippewa Falls WI, you want a team that balances clinical excellence with a gentle touch. At Winn Family Dentistry, we use the latest digital imaging and rotary endodontics to make your root canal Chippewa Falls as smooth as a standard filling. We treat you like family—because you are.

Root Canal Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does a root canal actually hurt?

With modern local anesthesia, you shouldn’t feel anything during the procedure other than some slight pressure. Most patients describe the sensation as being no different from getting a standard cavity filled. The pain people associate with root canals is actually the pain caused by the infection before they see the dentist.

2. What is the typical root canal cost in Chippewa Falls?

While prices vary based on which tooth needs work (molars have more canals and take longer), the general range for the procedure itself is often between $800 and $1,500. Keep in mind that a permanent crown is usually required afterward to strengthen the tooth, which is a separate cost. We provide transparent estimates so there are no surprises.

3. How long does the procedure take?

A typical root canal treatment takes about 60 to 90 minutes. If the tooth is a complex molar or has a significant infection, we may split it into two appointments to ensure the tooth is perfectly clean and medicated before the final seal is placed.

4. Can I go back to work after my root canal Chippewa Falls?

Yes! Most patients return to work or school the same day or the following morning. You will be numb for a few hours, so we recommend waiting to eat until the anesthesia wears off to avoid accidentally biting your lip or tongue.

5. What happens if I just ignore the tooth and don’t get the treatment?

The infection will not go away on its own. Eventually, the pain will become unbearable, the infection can form an abscess (a pocket of pus), and the bone around the tooth will begin to dissolve. This leads to the loss of the tooth and potentially a serious systemic infection that can affect your overall health.